The Gardens and Grounds at Braxted Park Estate

The gardens and grounds at Braxted Park Estate are central to the experience of a wedding here. From the tree-lined drive that welcomes guests on arrival to the walled garden, sweeping lawns and lakeside views beyond, the landscape shapes the day from beginning to end. The grounds offer beautiful backdrops, quiet moments and a natural sense of occasion throughout the estate.

Set within 500 acres, the outdoor space is carefully maintained to feel both timeless and seasonal. Established trees, thoughtful planting and long-term stewardship ensure the gardens evolve throughout the year, allowing every celebration to feel connected to its moment in time.

Overseeing this landscape is Sally Chandler, Head Gardener at Braxted Park Estate. Working with her team, Sally is responsible for the care, development and day-to-day management of the gardens and grounds, ensuring they are always looking their best for weddings and events.

In this article, Sally shares her insight into the estate, from the natural features that define its character to the seasonal work and sustainable practices that support the gardens year-round.

A landscape shaped by season and setting

One of the first things people notice when they arrive at Braxted Park Estate is the approach. The drive, lined with 200-year-old lime trees, sets the tone immediately. In summer, it feels grand and welcoming; through autumn and winter, the changing leaves quietly mark the shift of the seasons. Early in the morning, particularly in October and November, the light filtering through the trees to the east is something I never tire of seeing.

The estate’s character is shaped not just by planting, but by what lives within it. Wildlife is part of daily life here. Buzzards often perch along the fence line near the bottom of the drive, lifting slowly into the air as you approach. Red kites circle above the walled garden, and we regularly see goldcrests and kestrels. Where many estates have rabbits, Braxted Park is home to large hares, moving through long grass and racing across the surrounding fields.

Favourite views and quiet moments

There are certain locations within the grounds that naturally draw people in. One of the most popular is where the drive dips and opens out towards the balustrade, with a glimpse of the lake beyond. In early autumn, a low mist often settles just above the water in the morning. It’s a view that feels calm and slightly mysterious, and it’s easy to see why couples choose this spot for photographs or a quiet moment together.

The changing seasons at Braxted Park Estate

Although I joined Braxted Park Estate last summer and haven’t yet experienced a full year here, the signs of the seasons are already clear. Even in winter, there’s a sense of anticipation. Magnolia buds are forming, and bulb leaves are beginning to push through the soil, hinting at what’s to come in spring. Over the years, gardeners have planted thousands of snowdrops, daffodils and tulips across the estate, and I’m looking forward to seeing those layers of planting emerge.

Caring for the gardens, sustainably

Much of the work that keeps the gardens looking their best happens quietly behind the scenes. At this time of year, we’re already preparing for the seasons ahead. As flower beds are cut back and cleared, we weed and then mulch with rich leaf mould collected and made on the estate over the past year.

We’re also producing our own mulch from a mixture of grass clippings, leaf mould and chipped garden debris that’s too woody to compost. Being such a large estate means we’re fortunate to have the space and resources to reuse what the land provides, which plays an important role in how we care for the gardens sustainably.